Posted on September 15, 2021
Have you considered how well your child’s teeth are developing? Many parents associate taking great care of their kids with early orthodontic treatment. It can be a great relief to understand that early orthodontics does not mean your child is going to get braces right away. Early care is meant to protect the overall health of children. A child’s health can be affected by the symmetry and alignment of their smile, face, and jaw. An early evaluation with a local pediatric dentist is for more than just aesthetics, it is to assist in the growth and development of a child’s teeth and jaw. Early care simply prevents more serious issues from developing.
If you have experienced orthodontic problems, chances are your child will to. Many issues are inherited while others are acquired and develop over time. Those problems may include:
• Sucking of Fingers or Thumb
• Abnormal Swallowing
• Mouth Breathing
• Late or Early Loss of Baby Teeth
• Dental Disease
• Bad Nutrition
• Accidents
• Poor Oral Hygiene
At times, inherited orthodontic problems are complicated by acquired problems. No matter the cause, orthodontists at your local pediatric dental center can treat your child’s conditions successfully. Taking your child to see an orthodontist can put them on the right path to better health.
The sooner you have your child’s oral health examined, the better. Orthodontic treatments do more than just straighten teeth. They are meant to assist children in biting and chewing as well as contribute to better, clearer speech. Teeth that function as they should also afford the pleasant side effect of having an attractive smile, which, boosts self-esteem and self-confidence. Perfectly aligned teeth are also less prone to injury, gum disease, and decay.
Per the American Association of Orthodontists, an initial orthodontic evaluation should be done by the age of seven. This is the prime time for the eruption of adult teeth. A leading pediatric dental center believes in detecting issues early so your child benefits from the best treatment. Children benefit from early treatment because it is the optimal time to ensure the best results and can mean they experience less treatment time and lower costs for braces if needed.
When a child comes in for an appointment, a caring local pediatric dentist will perform an initial evaluation of their bite and smile. This allows ortho specialists to determine which type of treatment will suit your child’s needs. The time is taken to educate both children and parents too. Asking questions during a consultation is recommended so you and your child will find out what you want to know before their treatment begins.
When it has been determined that your child needs their teeth straightened, find out if traditional metal braces are the right option. They may not be the fastest way to straighten teeth, but they are one of the best. Metal braces have seen many technological advances making them a more comfortable, resilient, lighter, and stronger option.
It is important to help your child understand what it will be like after they receive braces. Once braces are on, a general soreness may be felt in the mouth and teeth. Biting pressure may also feel more tender for three to five days.
The good news is that once braces have become more comfortable, they also become more fun. Kids have the option of mixing and matching colored bands. They may want to choose their favorite color or choose school colors to show their pride. There are limitless options, and bands can be changed out during visits for adjustments. Unleash your child’s smile and schedule an orthodontic consultation today.